Calling all musicians and street performers!

To celebrate the launch of the Ipswich Busking Guide, Ipswich Borough Council will be hosting a Busking Showcase during the next Ipswich Weekender on Saturday 23 March 2024.

We’re inviting musicians and street performers to apply for a busking spot to showcase their talent on the streets of Ipswich and follow in the footsteps of Ed Sheeran.

We'd love to hear from a wide variety of performers, including musicians, actors, acrobats, storytellers, poets, dancers etc.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to captivate the crowds and be part of a vibrant day.

This is a great opportunity for buskers and street performers to demonstrate their skills and to be paid for doing so.

Let your creativity shine in the heart of Ipswich!

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 4 March 2024.

View busking showcase pitches in Ipswich.

Apply for a Busking spot.

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 4 March 2024.

About the Buskers' Showcase

Ipswich Borough Council will pay:

Solo performers - 45 minutes £60, for 90 minutes £120.

Duets - 45 minutes £125, for 90 minutes £250.

Three or more performers - 45 minutes £185 for 90 minutes £360.

You can also put out a container for donations by the public to top up the fee. In return, you will be assigned a destinated spot in Ipswich Town Centre with a designated time slot, with 15 minute set up time and 15 minute clear down, 15 minutes break if you are completing a 90min set. If you wish, you can also perform for longer for donations at other location(s) in the town centre. 

You must provide all equipment you use and any electrical equipment (e.g. amplifiers) must be battery powered (no generators or mains electricity allowed).  You must comply with the guidance in the Ipswich Good Busking Guide. Decisions on applications will be made by a panel of local music and performance arts representatives and successful applicants will be informed by 5pm on Friday 8 March 2024. If you do not hear by then, your application has not been successful.

If you have any questions, please e-mail: busking@ipswich.gov.uk